Blue Bird Day - Wheaton

"Our family moved to IL from NC for our child to attend BBD in Wheaton. From the first time I spoke with Kristen I felt immediate relief and hope. After our son's records were sent to BBD and we had virtual interviews and meetings we moved our family to a place we had never even visited at that time. We have experienced nothing but unending support and compassion from the entire staff. At drop off, you can see so many children with different abilities all being taken care of with such love and understanding for each of their needs. The therapists and staff are willing to accommodate the children (and parents) to a point that seems unending. Our son is non-verbal and began BBD in August with no words and is now thriving. His team (Laura (DT), Kelsey (SW), Rocio (OT), Kristin (PT), Lily and Sinead (ST), Katie (TA), Elise (TA), Abby (TA), and Sarah (TA).) is amazing. We receive reports and pictures throughout the day of what he is learning and participating in and I have never, for one minute, worried about his safety or emotional well-being. They play outside and with different toys and activities. They don't worry about getting messy and allow for the children to be children! From the moment Amy greets him in the morning, I know that he will be well-loved and well-taken care of. Working with Cynthia and Catarina for ABA therapy he has worked through many of his sensory issues, and we have even had a home visit to help us work through some of the struggles we have at home that he doesn't display at school. He is excited about school and always reports back that he has great days! There is a negative review about BBD and, in my opinion, it is defamatory, unfair, and dangerous to the community of people who need a place like BBD. As someone with a child who is unable to speak and express himself, many times the frustration comes out in anger, and sometimes even violence. If you are sending your child to a therapeutic school like BBD, there should be a level of understanding that there are children who have many different abilities, and some of them, while struggling with big emotions, can be violent. This doesn't make BBD a bad or unsafe place, this makes BBD a safe place where there are people who understand this behavior and are there to help and keep all the children safe. I am in the lobby twice a day and have been behind the locked doors many times and have heard many interactions. The children are met with patience, kindness, and respect. BBD Wheaton and the staff that care for the children are exceptional and what every child with different abilities deserves to have."

"Our son has shown tremendous progress in his year at BBD Wheaton. He loves going to school. His therapists/teachers, past and present, are phenomenal. With their help, support and guidance, our son’s future seems bright. Thank you, BBD!"

"I simply love everything and everyone in this school! I see the progress my son has been making, I see that he loves going to school and I'm happy. I can't say enough good things about everyone who works with my son, they all has been doing an amazing job! Thank you Alexis (OT), Taylor (ST), Selena (SW), Susan (PT), Katie (DT), Derek, Paulina, Sarah (TAs),Mark,Cory,Nereida,Alisa."

"Our son started at Blue Bird Day this past August! We have had the best experience so far with all of his programming and the staff! Our son has made huge progress since started & loves going each day! We are so lucky to have been referred this place to us!!! Cory is BCBA, Alexis his OT, & Ms. Donavan his teacher are the BEST!!!"

"Best place for our child! After a thorough review of multiple facilities similar to Blue Bird Day (BBD), we found ourselves selecting BBD for our son's special needs, as it was the ONLY facility met the highest level of standards that we have as parents. The leadership staff, led by Jennifer King, is exceptionally attentive and responsive. The OT team, including Sara Settimi, has made a world of difference against our son's goals. The PT team, including Susan Spriet and Carolyn Stoesser have identified opportunities for our son's growth where we previously never noticed. The ST team, including Elizabeth Maslona and Sinead Frankel, have exponentially increased the amount of 'words' our son speaks in a matter of months. The ABA team, including Cynthia Bardell, Emily Mutschler, Julia Shares, and Ainsley Adique, is the most top notch ABA team you'll find around. To top it all off, the social workers and case managers, namely Jenn Navarro are always walking alongside you ensuring your child becomes the absolute best they can be! Thank you for all that you do, BBD. The pleasure has been all ours!"